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Dislodged tree strikes logger.

A 64-year-old self-employed logger (the victim) was killed when a lodged tree fell and struck him. He was working with his 19-year-old son and a logger who owned a skidder. The victim had cut a beech tree that was approximately 24 inches in diameter at the base. Before the tree was able to fall, it became lodged against another tree standing near it. The victim was aware of the hazard and informed his son and the other logger to stay away from the area. The two continued working about 70-80 yards away, however the victim stayed in the area about 30 yards from the lodged tree. While the victim was running the chainsaw to limb some felled trees, the tree became dislodged by a strong gust of wind and fell toward the victim. He was hit in the back of the head by a limb as the tree fell. His son saw the tree fall and went to check on his father. Upon finding him lying on the ground unresponsive, the son took the truck and went to their home about ¼ mile down the road to call for help. Rescue personnel were dispatched at 12:41 pm and arrived on the scene in about 15 minutes. The coroner was summoned and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. In order to prevent similar events from occurring, FACE investigators recommend that: 1. Loggers should remove, fell, or avoid dangerous trees (including lodged trees) 2. Loggers should wear personal protective equipment such as hard hats.